Are you looking for a job in Tenerife? While there are certainly opportunities, especially for fluent Spanish speakers, the island's job market suffered a significant setback in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tenerife's economy is reliant on tourists, but for the most part, they stayed away. However, following mass vaccination programs in many countries, visitors are coming back in record numbers.
Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, volcanic landscape and rich cultural heritage. With a thriving tourism industry, the local job market is heavily focused on this sector. There are many employment opportunities in Tenerife, for example, in hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Other popular sectors where you can find work include construction, retail, healthcare, PR and education. However, job availability can be affected by seasonal fluctuations in tourism numbers.
Economy of Tenerife
The main economic pillars of the island are agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. The agriculture sector grows crops such as bananas, tomatoes and potatoes, and for many years was the predominant industry. It has now been taken over by the service industry, which contributes to about 75% of the island's gross domestic product (GDP).
By the end of 2024, approximately 7 million tourists had visited Tenerife, meaning about 600,000 visitors per month. Tourists are well served with modern hotels and resorts and a wealth of attractions. There are museums, monuments, mountains, national parks, a cosmopolitan capital city and fascinating attractions such as the six rectangular Pyramids of Güímar. Popular leisure activities include coastal and inland hikes, water sports, cycling and golf.
Fiestas are another big draw, and the island knows how to throw excellent parties, such as the spectacular Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, held each February or March (depending on the year) and the Feast of St. Andrew in November.
Good to know:
The majority of Tenerife's visitors come from European countries such as Spain, the UK, Germany, France and Belgium. Therefore, if you're looking for work in the tourism sector, a good command of English, French and Spanish are valuable assets.
If you don't want to work for someone else, you can start your own business in Spain. Local authorities encourage enterprise and the creation of small and medium-sized companies to stimulate the economy further.
Some companies prefer to hire full-time staff on a self-employed basis (autonomo) instead of giving them a contract.
UK citizens and employment in Spain
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, British citizens don't have an automatic right to work in Spain. They are classified as third-country nationals, and the only way to secure a full-time job is to win a role on Spain's shortage occupation list. This is a regularly updated list of professionals in short supply in every Spanish region.
If you are self-employed, you can apply for a work permit which involves presenting comprehensive details of your business plan.
The new rules do not affect UK citizens who were legal residents in Tenerife or Spain before 2021 and remain legal residents.
The work culture in Tenerife
With many companies operating in the tourism, hospitality and service industries, the work culture is fast-paced and dynamic. Employees in Tenerife are generally very friendly and collaborative, valuing teamwork and a sense of community. Despite the many distractions that come with living on a beautiful island, professionals in Tenerife are committed to delivering high-quality work and achieving their career goals.
Tenerife's labor market
The average salary across the Canary Islands is 23,096.92 euros per year, according to figures published by the Institute of National Statistics (INE). Wages have been increasing steadily, but the Canaries is still one of the communities with the lowest average salary.
When it comes to hiring, 26,525 new contracts were registered in Tenerife in January 2025, a 7.04% increase on the same month the previous year. At the same time, the unemployment figure fell. The number of people without work on the island was 67,677 in 2024, a decrease of 7.3% compared to 2023.
How to find a job in Tenerife
Knowing where to start can be challenging if you plan to work in Tenerife. However, before you start looking for work, it is important to determine your skills, qualifications and job preferences. If you are fluent in Spanish, it will be much easier for you to find work. Speaking English fluently can also be a great advantage, as there are plenty of tourists in Tenerife.
Here are some tips on how to find a job in Tenerife:
Use online job portals: Search for job postings on popular job portals like Indeed, Infojobs, and LinkedIn. Many companies and recruitment agencies use these online platforms to advertise job vacancies.
Visit recruitment agencies: There are a variety of recruitment agencies across Tenerife that can help match you with potential employers. Prepare your resume and cover letter before approaching a recruitment agency.
Walk-ins: Some companies in Tenerife prefer candidates to visit their establishment or office directly and submit their applications. Prepare several copies of your CV, approach companies with positions that interest you and submit your CV.
Networking: There are plenty of business owners operating in the region who are open to networking opportunities. Attend networking events, talk to locals and subscribe to groups on social media platforms like Facebook and Meetup.
Consider seasonal work: The large number of tourists visiting Tenerife means many businesses operate on a seasonal basis. These companies require seasonal employees like entertainers or promotional staff, which can be a great opportunity to gain access to the local job market.
How to prepare for a job interview in Tenerife
Acing a job interview can feel overwhelming, but it's a crucial step toward landing your dream job. In Tenerife's competitive job market, thorough preparation is key to standing out from other candidates. Here are some valuable tips and strategies to help you make a lasting impression in your next interview:
- Research the company you are applying to and the industry it operates in;
- Familiarise yourself with the job description and the skills required for the position;
- Prepare responses to common interview questions;
- Dress appropriately for the interview;
- Arrive on time and be prepared to wait;
- Bring extra copies of your resume and any other required documents;
- Practice good body language and maintain eye contact with the interviewer;
- Be confident, but not overconfident;
- Follow up with the interviewer and send a thank-you note after the interview;
- Stay positive, even if the interview doesn't go as planned.
If you´re looking for work in Tenerife, good luck!
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
